[Image description: a black and white image of singer Miriam Makeba donned in a printed wrap as she sings on a stage] via Instagram / @unlockthenowFord discusses the reimagining of Africa in her book, as there was a growing interest in the African independence movement as well as a back to Africa sentiment in the 1950s. During this time, African prints and big, natural hair symbolized a positivity and desire to be connected with Africa. This was something that was adopted by many during the time and continues to be used in fashion today to emphasize pride in Black identity.

[Image description: Beyonce and her back up dancers dressed in leather leotards and berets, wearing a militant fashion that is similar to the Black Panther’s style] via InstagramPolitical fashion isn’t something that has a monopoly in the Black community. It has been used in many communities and on behalf of many beliefs and ideologies. Women’s fashion has always been a facet of styling that is quite political. For example, heels are now often associated with sexism, but they were actually first worn by men to symbolize power and status. But since then, heels have been attributed to women along with sexist sentiments.

Image courtesy of Pyermoss.com [Image description: a Black man wearing a white shirt that reads “stops calling 911 on the culture.”]This shirt highlights racism and expresses the unease of Black people who are constantly villainized for doing everyday activities. While consumerism runs rampant when it comes to activism, this shirt serves as a form of expression, not only for Moss but for other Black people as well. This shirt tells others that the over-policing of Black people must end.

Additionally, with a major election coming up, influential figures have been encouraging their supporters to vote by wearing tee shirts and other styles that explicitly state that they’re voters. Recently, Tracee Ellis Ross shared a throwback of her wearing an “I am a voter.” tee to the 2018 American Music Awards on Instagram.

Voting has a racist history, deep with suppression and exclusion. But these shirts encourage others to vote and can even serve as a moment to learn more about voting and what it entails. It’s not just a shirt; it’s a statement.

Fashion has always been more than just clothes. It has helped to express political stands and has continued to be an indicator of our personal politics. Fashion has particularly been a useful tool in unifying and mobilizing the Black community. So shirts with socially conscious and political statements worn today aren’t just shirts, they’re a way of fashioning our politics.